This summer, over 100 bills went into effect as Georgia law. While there are certainly bills that made the headlines, there are also several bills that didn’t receive as much attention that you need to be aware of. Below is list of some of the laws that could directly affect you, your family or your neighbors. They were passed by both the Senate and House, were signed by Governor Deal, and went into effect on July 1:
Senate Bill 15 allows retired law enforcement officers to be issued a weapons carry license at no expense.
Senate Bill 108 requires the maintenance of a women’s veterans clinic by the Department of Veterans Service.
Senate Bill 109 establishes the Recognition of Emergency Medical Services Personnel Licensure Interstate Compact (REPLICA), which allows interstate movement of EMS personnel. Additionally, this legislation creates the “Nurse Licensure Compact” and the Interstate Commission of Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators.
Senate Bill 219 allows autonomous motor vehicles (also commonly referred to as “self-driving cars”) to be used in Georgia.
House Bill 1, also known as the Georgia Space Flight Act, would allow for space flight in Georgia by limiting the tort liability for space flight activity operators.
House Bill 37 requires that private, post-secondary institutions cannot adopt sanctuary policies.
House Bill 49 updates licensure requirements for livestock dealers and livestock market operators by allowing the department to establish 3-year licenses.
House Bill 87 allows annual registration for businesses to be extended to three years. The registration process would still be handled by the secretary of state.
House Bill 208 modifies license fees and requirements for obtaining hunting and fishing licenses in Georgia. If you regularly purchase hunting or fishing licenses, I would suggest reading this bill.
House Bill 224 allows children of military service members who live on a military base or in military housing to choose any school to attend in their local school system.
These laws are now in effect, so please stay aware and informed about the changes that they signify. For a full overview and the entire list of legislation Governor Nathan Deal signed into law, please visit gov.georgia.gov/legislation/2017
While we didn’t accomplish everything I wanted during the 2017 legislative session, I am proud of our results. During the next few months leading up to the 2018 legislative session, I am working on a myriad of issues to continue to make Georgia the best place to live, work and play. I am very proud to report that we are the number one state in which to do business for the fourth year running, and we maintained our AAA bond rating. We have much to be proud of in Georgia!
If you have any questions about these laws or the effect date of any other bills, please let me know.